Pixel 9 users report persistent “adding to screenshots” notification, but here’s how to get rid of it

If you’re using the Pixel 9 and have been noticing a notification that says “Adding to screenshots,” you’re not alone. It seems like some users are having this same issue, and it can be pretty annoying. The notification appears to stay stuck on your screen, even when it’s not doing anything. So, what’s going on? And more importantly, how can you make it go away? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

What’s Happening with the “Adding to Screenshots” Notification?

This pesky notification usually pops up when you’re trying to capture a screenshot, but for some reason, it gets “stuck” in the system. It can appear even after the screenshot is taken, or when the system is trying to add a screenshot to the gallery, but it never quite finishes the job. It’s like your phone is trying to tell you something is happening, but it never does. Talk about frustrating!

So, what’s the deal? It’s likely caused by a bug in the Pixel 9’s software or some kind of conflict with the screenshot function. But no need to panic—there are a few things you can try to kick that notification to the curb and get your phone back to normal.

How to Get Rid of the “Adding to Screenshots” Notification

Check for System Updates 

Don’t worry, the fix is pretty simple! Follow these steps to get rid of that annoying notification:

    • Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications.
    • Find the Photos or Google Photos app (this is where screenshots are saved).
    • Tap Storage & Cache.
    • Hit Clear Cache and then Clear Data.Clear Cache and DataSometimes, your phone just needs a little cleanup to work properly. Clearing the cache or app data can fix this issue. Here’s how:
  1. Restart Your Phone
    If clearing the cache doesn’t do the trick, try restarting your Pixel 9. This can refresh the system and stop the notification from hanging around. Just hold down the power button and select Restart.
  2. Disable the Screenshot Preview
    Pixel phones come with a screenshot preview feature that shows you a little thumbnail of your screenshot right after you capture it. This can sometimes be a little buggy. To turn it off:

    • Open Settings.
    • Go to System > Gestures > Screenshot.
    • Turn off the Use Screenshot Preview option.
  3. Update Your Phone
    Software updates are like little fixes for bugs, and if the issue is caused by a software glitch, an update might solve it. Go to Settings > System > Software Update and check if there’s an update available. If there is, go ahead and install it!
  4. Try Safe Mode
    If none of the above steps worked, you can try restarting your phone in safe mode to see if a third-party app is causing the problem. To do this:

    • Hold down the power button.
    • When the power options appear, press and hold Power off until you see Reboot to Safe Mode.
    • Tap OK, and your phone will restart in Safe Mode, where only system apps are running. If the notification disappears, the culprit is likely a third-party app. You can then remove or update the app causing the issue.

When All Else Fails: Factory Reset

If you’ve tried everything and that annoying notification still won’t leave you alone, the last resort is a factory reset. This will wipe everything off your phone, so be sure to back up your data first. Once you’re ready:

  • Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About the “Adding to Screenshots” Notification

Q: Why is the “Adding to screenshots” notification showing up on my Pixel 9?
A: It’s likely due to a software bug or a glitch in the screenshot or gallery app. The phone tries to add the screenshot to your gallery but gets stuck, and the notification just hangs around.

Q: Can I stop my phone from showing screenshots right after I take them?
A: Yes! You can turn off the screenshot preview feature in the Settings under System > Gestures > Screenshot.

Q: What should I do if the notification still won’t go away?
A: Try restarting your phone, clearing the cache, or checking for updates. If nothing works, consider resetting your phone to factory settings as a last resort.

Q: Will I lose my photos or screenshots if I reset my phone?
A: Yes, a factory reset will erase everything on your phone, including photos. Be sure to back up your data before doing a reset!

Q: Can this bug happen on other Pixel models?
A: While the issue seems most common on the Pixel 9, other Pixel models might experience similar glitches too. The troubleshooting steps are usually the same.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with the “Adding to screenshots” notification on your Pixel 9 can be frustrating, but with these simple fixes, you should be able to get it under control in no time. Remember to clear your cache, restart your phone, or update your system to make sure everything is running smoothly. And if all else fails, a factory reset should do the trick!

We hope this guide helped you get rid of that pesky notification—now you can go back to enjoying your Pixel 9 without any distractions!